Novy Bor and SuperChess Romania are the only unbeaten teams after five rounds of the European Club Cup open section. Both sit at 5/5, and they meet in Thursday's penultimate round in a direct clash that could decide the title race. Three other teams lurk just one point back, ready to capitalize if either leader stumbles.
The women's competition has a clearer picture. CE Gambit Bonnevoie won their fifth straight match and opened a two-point gap over Monte-Carlo and Odlar Yurdu. With two rounds left, Bonnevoie controls their own destiny, but the field remains close enough that a loss could tighten things considerably.
The open section's structure keeps the tournament genuinely competitive. SuperChess brings firepower with players like Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Jorden van Foreest. Novy Bor has matched that output so far. Whoever wins the head-to-head clash will have a significant advantage, though the trailing teams will get their chance to capitalize on any slip-ups before the final round.